08.05.13

Glenn Whitney Arbonies, AIA LEED AP died suddenly on August 4th. Glenn and his beloved wife Sandra have two children: Adam Vlock Arbonies, who attends DePaul University in Chicago, and Mira Laurel Vlock Arbonies who attends the Foote School in New Haven. Glenn was born on November 5th 1947 in Pomona, California, the son of Martin Sybial Arbonies and Carolyn Merchant Arbonies, and brother of Bruce Arbonies. Glenn’s distant relatives include New England notables Emily Dickinson and Eli Whitney. Glenn and his family also lived in Alabama, Ohio and Wisconsin before moving to Huntington, Long Island in New York in 1962. Glenn graduated from Huntington High School in 1965 and attended Washington University in St Louis, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Architecture. He went on to receive his Master of Architecture degree from Washington University of St. Louis in 1971. Charles Moore, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, was on the review committee for Glenn’s thesis and after Glenn had worked elsewhere for two years, Charles Moore invited Glenn to join his firm in Essex CT in 1973. Glenn became a partner in the firm Moore, Grover Harper, which became Centerbrook Architects in Centerbrook, CT after Moore retired. During this time he met and then married Sandra Vlock of Woodbridge, CT in 1983. They were introduced by Sandra’s parents Jim and Laurel Vlock who were clients of Charles Moore. Sandra also became an Architect. Glenn and Sandra began their own architectural firm with Richard King called Arbonies King Vlock in 1990, which continues today. Some highlights of his career, and theirs together include the Hood Museum at Dartmouth College, recipient of the AIA National Honor Award, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Palmer Museum at Penn State, the Museum of Natural History and the Benton Museum of Art at University of Connecticut, work for the University of New Haven. Current work includes renovations for the Blackstone Library in Branford, Connecticut. They have also designed a number of private residences in Sun Valley, Idaho, Fisher’s Island, New York, as well as residences in Connecticut. Their award winning work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. Glenn was a passionate sportsman and fitness enthusiast. He enjoyed hiking and river rafting and along with his wife Sandra, had hiked and rafted the Grand Canyon many times. He and his wife also competed in marathons, triathlons, and numerous road races. Glenn incorporated his passion for life with the love of his family, and shared his pursuits with them. Glenn is survived by his wife Sandra Vlock, children Adam Vlock Arbonies and Mira Laurel Vlock Arbonies of Stony Creek, Connecticut, his brother Bruce Arbonies and his wife Nanette Arbonies, of Hillsborough, New Jersey and their children, Mark Dickinson Arbonies and Kimberly Anne Arbonies, Glenn’s goddaughter.

A graveside ceremony will be held Tuesday, August 6th at 2 pm at the New Haven Grove Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, Stony Creek, CT or the Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT or a charity of choice. Sandra, Adam and Mira will open their home to visitors from 6-8PM on Wednesday evening, August 7th.

34 Comments

I feel blessed to be able to count Glenn (and Sandy) amongst my friends. I ran races and triathlons with Glenn and always felt his encouragement during these events . Glenn was the epitome of a team player. He’d cheer you on if you were doing well or go back for you if you were to fall. I feel truly blessed to have known him and carry on the memories that I have.
Joyce Zahariades.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy, Adam, Mira and to all those whose lives Glenn had touched. Over the past few years I was lucky enough to have been able to participate in races and other events with Glenn and Sandy, I will look back on those days with fond memories. He will be missed amongst our group.

Sandra, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Adam and Anna were in school together years ago and I remember a wonderful birthday party at the home you and Glenn built and shared. I am so sorry for your loss.

Glenn had a beautiful spirit and joy of life. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. He was an great architect and was so fortunate to have a total partnership with Sandra: in life, in their profession, in shared pleasures and in love. He will live on in the memory of all who knew him.

My sincere condolences to the family and friends. Glenn was a true believer in team work and finding solutions to complex problems. We were lucky enough to have Glenn & Sandra as Architects for the Essex Elementary School Renovations & Additions, with out Glenn’s guidance this project would have never happened.

It is with the deepest of sandiness that we hear of the passing of Glenn.
He will be missed as a member of our architectural community.Our prayers go out to you and your children…may your family and friends’ love and support sustain you through this very sad time… Jerry Kagan and Harold Roth.

I have been in shock ever since I heard the news of Glenn’s passing. What a great man who loved his family and cherished his passion for design. It is clear from reading his life’s narrative that he leaves behind an impeccable legacy; you have much of which to be proud! You are in my prayers and thoughts. And you already know, I will be there for you whenever you need me.

There are really no words to express how shocked and sorry we are. We remember particularly his quiet strength, his sense of humor, and his laugh.
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Love, Jane & Jerry

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will also miss Glenn very much. I enjoyed seeing him around Stony Creek, in your boat, the market, working out at the Y and at meetings. I got to know him quite well while working together on the Y together. He was a great architect and a thoughtful person. Glenn was someone who just put everyone at ease because of his wonderful easy going & highly competent style.

Sandra and family – I am so sorry to hear about Glenn’s sudden passing. It was a pleasure working with Glenn and getting to know him professionally several years ago during the Soundview Family YMCA project. I wish I had gotten to know him much earlier in my career. My deepest condolences at this time of mourning. Mike

There are no words to say how very sorry I am to hear of Glenn’s sudden passing. It was my greatest honor to work with you and Glenn. I have so many beautiful memories and not only of the projects we worked on but of all the fun we had outside of the office. The Sushi classes, running, wine tasting, the dinner’s we made together. I will miss his smile and his laugh, Glenn was truly a kind and gentle man! I hope that knowing how much we are all praying for you and how much your friends and family love you will bring you comfort during this very sad time.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love Jacqui

Sandra — I am so very sorry for your great loss. I only came to know Glenn is the last few weeks as you and he began your work with the Blackstone Library. I enjoyed coming to know Glenn as a gentleman, but also as a gentle man with a quiet sense of humor, bubbling with ideas and just a pleasure to talk with. I offer you and your family most sincere sympathy at this very sad time. Andy

What a great loss to you and your extended families but to Branford and beyond. Glenn was a true gentelman and; as you, I will miss him tremendously. Please know that my thoughts, prayers and condolences ar with you during this darkest hour.

Glenn and I were classmates at Washington University and kept in touch when I lived in NYC. Once I moved away we seemed to fade away until my wife and I stopped by in the early 90’s to visit. I am truly sorry for your loss and hope that your memories and sons will fill the void.

Sandra,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Glenn was a wonderful man and a truly gifted architect. He will be missed by all of us here. Peace to you and your family.

Gary and I were so sorry to learn of Glenn’s sudden passing. We are so appreciative of his contributions to our community. Gary thought immediately of the children. If we can do anything to help, Sandra, please let us know. Our sympathy extends to Michael and family as well. May you find comfort from your family and friends and in the knowledge that his was a life well lived.

Dear Sandra,
I too attended Washington University with Glen in the long-ago and far-away.
We were all thrilled when Charles Moore commented so positively on Glen’s project (I can still see it!) during his jury and then offered him a position with his firm. It is wonderful to know that Glen lived his professional and his personal life so fully with you, your children and many friends.